Western graduation song ranking [2025]

StarlightMuse92rank/position

Muse – Starlight [Official Music Video]

MUSE often has relatively dark themes and tones.

However, I think their melodic sense shines most in brighter songs.

Their sound design, which evokes new departures and fresh beginnings, is something I’d love to hear at an entrance ceremony.

While it doesn’t have much speed, it’s a track that leaves you feeling refreshed.

You Get What You GiveNew Radicals93rank/position

New Radicals – You Get What You Give (Official Music Video)

A song that blows away any anxieties.

A simple beat, an irresistibly pop sound, and a distinctive, floating melody.

Just listening to it makes you feel happy.

It’s perfect for entrance ceremonies and the start of new days.

Beautiful DayU294rank/position

U2 – Beautiful Day (Official Music Video)

This is a song that stands by those who have lost hope.

Even in difficult times, by focusing on the small happiness around us, it reminds us that life is beautiful.

It helps us rediscover the world’s beauty and diversity, and conveys the importance of freeing ourselves from material desires.

Released in October 2000, the song reached number one on the charts in many countries.

At the 2001 Grammy Awards, it won three categories and became one of U2’s signature tracks.

It’s recommended for those about to embark on a new beginning or journey, and for those who feel stuck in life.

It’s a song that will give you the courage to look forward.

FlyNicki Minaj ft. Rihanna95rank/position

Nicki Minaj – Fly ft. Rihanna

A true collaboration of today’s Black singer queens, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna.

It’s a song that celebrates hard workers who strive to move forward, even though the path is surely not an easy one.

It’s also a perfect track for freshmen about to embark on a new chapter.

Let it beThe Beatles96rank/position

Let It Be (Remastered 2009)

The masterpiece “Let It Be,” created by Paul McCartney.

Released in 1970, it gained worldwide popularity, helped by its use as the theme song for the film Let It Be, which came out the same year.

In Japan as well, most people have probably heard it at least once.

As for the lyrics, the central theme is essentially “letting things be as they are.” Strongly influenced by religion, it might be a perfect fit for graduation ceremonies, which carry a very public image.

You Raise Me UpJosh Groban97rank/position

Josh Groban – You Raise Me Up (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]

A cover of a famous Celtic song.

I chose Josh Groban’s version because the arrangement is particularly outstanding.

The theme of this song is truly hope and courage.

It’s a song of beginnings, urging us to keep moving forward steadily, one step at a time, with hope and courage no matter what days lie ahead.

AlrightKendrick Lamar98rank/position

Kendrick Lamar – Alright (Official Music Video)

Kendrick Lamar, an American rapper and songwriter.

His song “Alright” is a track whose positive message—“we’re going to be okay”—really resonates.

Its appeal lies in the contrast between the gentle, chillout-like backing track and the rap laid over it, which is intense and emotional.

The song’s distinctive groove naturally makes you want to start dancing as you listen.

It’s an easy-to-listen-to rap track, so it’s recommended even for newcomers to hip-hop.